How to Implement Quiet Time into Your Schedule

Quiet time? Really…who has time for that? None of us do, but you really need to make time for it in my opinion. As moms, we spend so much time doing everything for other people that we have to learn how to take a minute for ourselves. We cater to our spouse, children, employer, friends, and family but we often neglect ourselves. I’ve noticed that it’s a MUST for me to have quiet time. When I start getting irritable and cranky, I know it’s because I’ve given too much of myself to others without recharging. You cannot be the best version of yourself or efficiently help other people if you don’t take time for yourself.

But what is quiet time really? Does that mean you’re sitting in a room by yourself and just staring at a wall? UH No. “Quiet time” is just a way to take some time to yourself, slow down and “quiet” your brain, recharge and refocus. Every person’s quiet time is different. The key is to figure out what makes you happy and the activities you enjoy and build them into your schedule. I have several different activities that I do, because I try to make the most of whatever time I have to myself. For example, my commute to and from work is a a key part of getting in some consistent quiet time. I always take that time to listen to sermons, podcasts and music to learn or clear my head. I also wake up about an hour before I need to get ready for work and use that time to spend time with God and even try to get in some light exercise. These are just a few examples but I also catch up on shows, blog, surf Pinterest and other really simple activities that make me happy and put my mind at ease.

I’m sure you’re wondering how you can even start building this into your schedule. I mean, you barely have time as it is, right? I have a couple of tips below on how I was able to start having a bit of time to myself on a consistent basis without feeling bad or feeling like I was neglecting my family and responsibilities.

Speak Up

I’m naturally an introvert, so I have to recharge especially on days where I interact with people quite a bit. Early in our marriage I expressed to my husband how I needed to have a least 30 minutes (at the least) of time to myself a day. Of course, that’s not always possible, and some days I won’t get time to myself, but we always try to make sure we build that into my day. If I don’t have that time to myself, I’m extremely irritable, I don’t want to talk and I’m just really tough to be around. My husband does a great job of making a conscious effort to ensure that I get this time to myself, especially on the weekends. Usually he can tell pretty quickly that I need some time to myself, and he’ll take the baby downstairs while I get some rest or do something that I enjoy.

Look for Pockets of Time

You don’t have to spend hours upon hours recharging. If you have a tight schedule, look for small gaps of time that you can use to take some time to yourself. Maybe you’re like me and you have a long commute to work. Download a few audiobooks or podcasts that you enjoy during your commute and you’ve already built in some time, just like that! Step away from your desk at work during lunch time and go find a quiet spot to catch up on a show, read, just anything to get your mind off of what’s going on.

Don’t Feel Bad About It

It is a very natural reaction to feel as though you are doing something wrong when you take time for yourself. People who are use to doing so much for other people often STRUGGLE to do for themselves. Stop feeling bad about it. It’s absolutely okay and NECESSARY for you to have quiet time. What is not okay is to continue to run on empty fumes because you are not taking care of YOU.

Self-care is so important in this day and age with so many distractions and things to keep us busy. I really challenge you to take time to look at your schedule and see where you can start building in some time for yourself. If you need to, find an accountability partner that will ask you every week “How have you taken time for yourself?” I’m so passionate about self-care because I truly believe that without quiet time you will struggle to accomplish your goals and complete them to the best of your ability.

How do you get in some quiet time with your busy schedule? Let me know in the comments!

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About the Millennial

Hey y'all! I'm Valerie, and I'm so excited that you've stopped by my blog! I can't wait to share the tips and tricks I've learned adjusting to life as a new wife, mom and career woman! Read my story...